Randy Chandler
Grilled cheese is a simple, comforting dish, but the question of whether butter is essential to the recipe is hotly contested. Many recipes call for butter, and it is a popular choice for achieving a crispy, golden exterior. However, some cooks argue that butter is not the best option, as it can burn easily. Instead, they recommend using olive oil or mayonnaise, which have higher smoke points and can give the sandwich a richer flavour. Some cooks even recommend a combination of fats, such as butter and mayonnaise, or butter and olive oil, for the best results. Ultimately, the choice of fat comes down to personal preference, and cooks can experiment with different options to find the one that works best for them.
Do I have to use butter for grilled cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best cooking fat | Butter, mayonnaise, or a combination of both |
| Alternatives | Olive oil |
| Amount | 1 tablespoon per sandwich or 1/2 tablespoon on each slice of bread |
| Bread type | Any sturdy bread that can handle the heat, such as Texas toast, sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta |
| Cheese type | Any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or American cheese |
| Cooking temperature | Medium-low |
| Cooking time | 2-7 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Butter alternatives for grilled cheese
While butter is the traditional choice for grilled cheese, it is not the only option. Using butter alternatives can be a great way to add a twist to the classic grilled cheese sandwich or to make it healthier.
Mayonnaise is a popular substitute for butter. It produces a crisp crust and a slightly tangy flavour. You can also use a combination of mayonnaise and butter for your grilled cheese sandwich.
Coconut oil is another alternative to butter. It has a higher smoke point than butter and a subtle coconut flavour. It can give your grilled cheese sandwich a tropical twist.
If you are looking for a healthier option, you can use mashed avocado as a spread on the bread. It adds creaminess and a unique flavour profile to the grilled cheese. It also provides a crispy texture.
Other butter alternatives include olive oil, margarine, ghee, plant-based spreads, and bacon grease.
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Best type of bread for grilled cheese
While making grilled cheese, it is important to remember that the bread choice is as important as the cheese and other fillings. The right bread can make or break your sandwich.
For the ideal grilled cheese, look for bread with a soft-but-hearty texture with even slices of medium thickness (about 1/4 inch). Pre-sliced bread is a great option because the uniform thickness helps ensure even heat distribution through the sandwich when cooking. Avoid thinly sliced, delicate breads as they will quickly fall apart.
Sandwich bread tends to be soft and light, which is perfect for a grilled cheese. You can use white bread, whole-wheat, multigrain, oatmeal, or potato bread. Just be sure to opt for one with a slightly heartier texture so that the bread does not completely flatten out when pressed down in the pan. Sourdough bread is a great choice to add a little tang to your grilled cheese. The slightly sharp flavor of sourdough is a great contrast to the richness of the cheese and butter in the sandwich. Look for a loaf with a uniform texture, as the large holes in a rustic loaf may allow melty cheese to leak out.
Buttery brioche makes a great grilled cheese sandwich. The texture is soft, but sturdy enough to hold up during pan-frying. However, it browns more quickly than other breads, so keep an eye on it, as you may need to cook your grilled cheese over a lower heat to avoid burning the exterior. Another option to add extra flavor to a grilled cheese is rye bread, which gets its flavor from rye berries and the addition of caraway seeds. Light rye is made with rye flour, while dark rye uses both rye flour and additional ingredients like molasses. Whether you choose light rye, dark rye, or opt for both with a loaf of marbled rye, you can’t go wrong. Rye is a great complement to mild cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Gouda. A bit of an unorthodox choice, but if you’re looking for a mix of sweet and savory in your next grilled cheese, look no further than cinnamon raisin bread.
Malted grain (granary) bread is also a good choice for grilled cheese. The malt flakes and seeds add texture and a warming flavor that complements the gooey cheese topping.
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Best type of cheese for grilled cheese
While the type of cheese you use for a grilled sandwich is a matter of personal preference, some options work better than others. For instance, while it may be tempting to use "easy-melting" artificial cheese, most cheeses melt well when shredded first.
Some popular cheeses for grilled sandwiches include:
- Mozzarella: This cheese is known for its cheese pull and non-greasy melting qualities. However, since it has a mild flavor, it is often combined with a flavored cheese.
- Cheddar: This is a versatile cheese that can be used in various forms, such as sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or a blend of both. It is also available as a blend with other cheeses, such as Gruyère.
- American: This cheese is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and provides a gorgeous cheese pull.
- Muenster: This cheese is known for its excellent melting qualities and is a good option for grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Gouda: This cheese is a good option for grilled cheese sandwiches, especially when paired with tomato soup.
- Gruyère: This cheese is often mentioned as a favorite for grilled cheese sandwiches and can be used on its own or blended with other cheeses, such as cheddar.
- Fontina: This cheese can be combined with other cheeses, such as cheddar, for a creamy and shredded texture.
In addition to the type of cheese, other factors that can enhance the flavor and texture of a grilled cheese sandwich include the bread used, the cooking fat or spread, and any added ingredients or toppings. Experimenting with different combinations of these elements can create a unique and personalized grilled cheese sandwich experience.
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How much butter to use for grilled cheese
While butter is a popular choice for grilled cheese, there are several alternatives, such as olive oil and mayonnaise. The amount of butter used for grilled cheese varies depending on the recipe and personal preference. Some recipes suggest using softened butter, while others recommend combining it with other fats like olive oil or mayonnaise for a richer flavour.
If you choose to use butter as the sole cooking fat, the general consensus is to use one tablespoon of butter per sandwich. This amount can be adjusted based on the size and thickness of the bread. For example, if you have larger slices of bread, you may need to use more butter to ensure even coverage. On the other hand, if you're using a combination of fats, you can use half a tablespoon of butter and half a tablespoon of another fat, such as olive oil or mayonnaise.
When preparing the sandwich, it's important to butter both sides of each slice of bread. This ensures that all four sides of the sandwich come into contact with the pan, resulting in maximum crispiness. You can spread or brush the butter directly onto the bread before placing it in the pan or melt butter in the pan before adding the sandwich.
Some recipes suggest using a combination of butter and mayonnaise for the best results. In this case, you would use half a tablespoon of mayonnaise and half a tablespoon of butter per slice of bread. However, it's important to note that using mayonnaise alone may not yield the same crispy results as using butter.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that some people prefer to use olive oil instead of butter due to its higher smoke point, which prevents burning and enhances the flavour of the sandwich. Ultimately, the amount of butter used for grilled cheese can vary, and you can experiment with different fats and combinations to find your preferred method.
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How to cook grilled cheese
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food. The key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is to use a good type of cheese and to cook it slowly so that the cheese melts properly.
Ingredients
You will need bread, cheese, butter, and/or olive oil or mayonnaise. You can also add other ingredients like vegetables, fruit, or meat.
Method
First, prepare your bread. You can use any type of bread, but make sure it is sturdy enough to handle the heat. Butter your bread on one side and place it butter-side down on a hot skillet. You can also use olive oil or mayonnaise instead of butter. If you're using mayonnaise, spread it on the outside of the sandwich before cooking.
Next, add your cheese. You can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, American cheese, Gruyere, or fontina. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add some blue cheese for extra flavour. Layer the cheese on top of the bread, then place another slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
Cook the sandwich on medium to medium-low heat until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip it. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. If the bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat to give the cheese more time to melt.
Once the sandwich is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a minute before slicing and serving.
Tips
- If you want extra gooey cheese, try this trick: take the pan off the heat, add a small amount of water, and quickly cover it with a lid to create steam that will help melt the cheese.
- For an extra crispy sandwich, spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on both sides of the bread slices.
- If you like your grilled cheese with a bit of a kick, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before placing it in the skillet.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can use other fats like olive oil or mayonnaise. Butter is the most popular choice, but some people prefer olive oil because it has a higher smoke point and is less likely to burn. Others prefer mayonnaise because it helps the bread brown well and gives the sandwich a richer flavor.
Use around 1/2 tablespoon of butter per slice of bread. This amount will give your sandwich a crispy exterior without making it sogy.
You can use any type of bread for grilled cheese, but thicker slices of bread, such as Texas toast or sourdough, are recommended to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy. Avoid thinly sliced, delicate breads as they will quickly fall apart.
